What is anemia?

Anemia is a common health problem. This is most prevalent in adolecent children and pregnant women. There are many types of anemia out of which the iron deficiency is most common. Approximately 67% of the iron is hemoglobin. The iron deficiency is rated by taking the hemoglobin level in the blood. Hemoglobin helps transport oxygen to the tissues. The body requires oxygen for proper functioning. The bone marrow produces oxygen using hemoglobin. The normal level of hemoglobin is 11-13 per deciliter.

Anemia is caused due to slow but chronic loss of blood and iron deficient diet.This also occurs after and during pregnancy due to the excess demand from the foetus. Frequent pregnancy leads to loos of iron stores in the body. Most common symptoms of anemia are exhaustion, weakness etc., Palpitation occurs when its severe.

Usually iron deficient anemia can be treated using iron supplements. It is always adviced to take medical advice before consuming the supplements. Oral iron supplements are preferable than injections. The oral dose of elemental iron for treatment of iron deficiency anameia
is 100 or 200 daily with meals. Sustained release iron preparations are expensive but have fewer symptoms of gastric trouble.

Use iron preparations only if diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous supplements like Ferrous sulphate are preferable. Iron supplements should be taken after food to reduce gastric trouble. The liquid iron supplements should be diluted with water. Iron supplements will cause black stools. If you experience constipation, use a stool softner. Do not indulge in self medication.

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What is Thyroid?

Thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, which regulates the rate at which your body carries on its necessary functions. Other endocrine glands are the pancreas, the pituitary, the adrenal glands,the testes, and the ovaries.

The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck. It lies in front of the wind-pipe , above the level of the collar-bones. A normal gland cannot be felt. The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine nd triiodothyronine which are released into the blood stream.

Certain diseases of the Thyroid gland are common and are caused due to the over or under reactive gland. These conditions are called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This tends to slow down the body's functions. Symptoms include tiredness, constipation and sensitivity to the cold.

The thyroid gland controls the entire body's metabolism. That means that your weight, you're hair, your skin and all sorts of things that go on in your body depend on your thyroid to work right. If there is a unexpected weight gain or weight loss is the sign that the thyroid gland is functioning as it is expected to function.

Hypothyroidism is caused due to iodine insufficiency. Some common symptoms of Hypothyroidism are Swelling in the Thyroid gland, Dry and thickened skin, Thinning hair, Weight gain, Constipation etc.,

Hyperthyroidism is the result of an overactive thyroid gland. Treatments for hyperthyroidism involves a surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine or other antithyroid drugs which may result in hypothyroidism.

The functioning of the thyroid gland can change during pregnancy. Women with hypothyroidism need more frequent checks during pregnancy.Five percent of women have a mild problem with the thyroid three to six months after delivery. This has an autoimmune cause and can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Although it rarely needs treatment it does mean that thyroid problems are more likely in later life.

Orange- Health Benefits

Eating 5 or more servings of colorful fruits and vegetables a day is part of an important plan for healthier living. The fruits and vegetables are main sources of many vitamins, minerals, fiber which our body needs to generate the required energy levels, increase the immunity.

Citrus are rich in vitamin C. They also contian other essential nutrients and are fat free. It is the best snack for weight watchers. Oranges are rich in vitamin C. Citrus fruits have long been valued as part of a nutritious and tasty diet. They contain both glycaemic and non-glycaemic carbohydrate (sugars and fibre), potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus etc., The Vitamin C help in prevention of cancer and improves blood circulation. Oranges also provide anti-oxidants. The oranges are rich in B- Vitamin which helps in preventing birth defects and reduces the chances of birth defects.

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